Sky Bet Launches Social Partnership With LADbible Group

Sky Bet have today announced that they have partnered with social publishing giant LADbible Group to become the category exclusive partners for their coverage of the Premier League and EFL for the rest of the football season.

Launching Saturday 12th Feb, the 360 partnership will roll out across SPORTbible and ODDSbible, reaching its highly sought after collective audience of 34.7 million.

The partnership will put fans at the heart of the action – including sponsorship of a three-episode run of LADbible Group’s established original series, Agree to Disagree. Produced by LADstudios, LADbible Group’s award-winning in-house content studio; where two fans from opposing clubs go head to head in a heated debate on football. To date, the series has achieved 31.8 million views on LADbible TV from football fans. The first episode is being filmed this week in Manchester with legend Gary Neville & Micah Richards going head-to-head ahead of the highly-anticipated Manchester Derby in early March.

Sky Bet and LADbible Group will create an exclusive EFL content series to get fans involved in the biggest debates of the Premier League and EFL, along with weekly social football content that will bring unrivalled insider access to players and offer fans the chance to grill their favourite stars. There will also be an always-on editorial partnership on SPORTbible – all to make betting, better.

As part of the partnership, Sky Bet will be sponsoring 3 episodes of the successful Agree To Disagree format between now and the end of the season. The first of which is being filmed in Manchester this week with Sky Bet talent Gary Neville & Micah Richards going head-to-head ahead of the highly-anticipated Manchester Derby in early March.

Jack Cowin, Director of Client Solutions said, “We’ve been working very closely with Sky Bet over the past year, delivering a number of event-specific campaigns but we’re delighted to get this off the ground and announce the partnership officially. Sky Bet are a fantastic content provider in their own right and are the perfect partner to create something special with, for our highly-engaged audience of sport and sports betting fans. We can’t wait to get started on this long-term project and continue to entertain the core Sky Bet audience.”

Kevin Brain, Head of Social & Content for Sky Bet said, “LADBible Group have built an incredibly engaged set of sports and sports betting communities and they are the best at what they do. With our unique access and exciting plans to generate more premium sports related content, this exclusive partnership offers us a great opportunity to combine our strengths and bring audiences more of what they already love”

Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Announces Gainbridge As Founding Partner

South Florida Motorsports (SFM), the promoter of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, has announced a multi-year Founding Partnership with Gainbridge, a self-managed innovative digital platform providing customers with direct access to trusted financial products. The Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix will be the series’ first visit to Miami Gardens on May 6-8, 2022.

With Gainbridge as the Title Partner of the Start/Finish Club and Suites, fans will experience their prominent branding across the MIA campus. Access to a premium panoramic view of the paddock, pitlane, starting grid and the longest straight on the track, allows fans in the Start/Finish line area to have the ultimate view of the action, seeing racing from both the north and south sides of the circuit.

Next door in the North Campus Fan Zone presented by Gainbridge, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Open to all ticketholders, this area will have food and beverage experiences, activations, art installations, and to top it off, viewing decks are available for all race goers to experience views of one of the longest straights in Formula 1®.

“Gainbridge brings a prestigious modern brand to our event and will be a proactive partner for many years,” said Jeremy Walls, Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer of Hard Rock Stadium & Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. “Through this partnership, and the opportunities for engagement and exposure across our track and campus, they will be able to educate Formula 1® and South Florida audiences on their self-managed platform and tools empowering investors to grow and protect their savings.”

Gainbridge’s Chief Marketing Officer, Bill Shelton said: “This partnership reflects our mission to be innovative and tech-driven, empowering people with access to tools to make every second count. We couldn’t be more excited to showcase our bold brand and give fans the ability to experience the events and hotspots Miami has to offer.”

New Zealand Rugby And New Zealand Rugby Players Association Boards Approve Partnership With Silver Lake

The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Board and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) Board today announced that they have approved a partnership agreement between Silver Lake, NZR and the NZRPA, providing capital to invest in the game at all levels and supporting the development of new capabilities and the pursuit of new global opportunities enabled by digital technologies.

This partnership marks the beginning of a transformational phase for the entire game in New Zealand and will allow us to pursue exciting new opportunities for rugby. Under the terms of the agreement, which remains subject to ratification by the Provincial Unions and Māori Rugby Board, Silver Lake will invest NZD $200 million in a new commercial entity that will house all revenue-generating assets of NZR, with additional co-investment of up to NZD $100 million to be offered to New Zealand-based institutional investors later in 2022. Silver Lake, NZR and NZRPA will also establish “Global Rugby Opportunities” to invest together in rugby-related businesses outside of New Zealand.

Stewart Mitchell, NZR Chairman said: “In the privileged role we hold as guardians of our national game, we are proud of where we have landed with this partnership. I want to acknowledge that the journey to get here hasn’t been easy at times, there was healthy debate and some adjustments by all parties, but always with the good of the game at the heart of this process. The NZR Board are looking forward to continuing our conversations with the Provincial Unions and Māori Rugby Board and anticipate ratification in the coming weeks.”

David Kirk, NZRPA Chairman said: “The partnership is the outcome of long and considered discussions and has been approved by the NZRPA board. This is a pivotal moment for rugby in New Zealand. The agreement provides capital on a sound economic basis and Silver Lake brings additional capability to execute on the new growth opportunities. The proposed investment by New Zealand institutions provides an opportunity and natural pathway for New Zealanders to share in the growth of rugby over time.”

Mark Robinson, NZR CEO said: “This partnership presents rugby with an extraordinary opportunity to secure its future and unleash its true potential. We are truly excited by what we can achieve together with Silver Lake’s world class capabilities: from fostering and growing our grassroots, to enhancing the experiences we can create for New Zealanders, and truly maximising our potential on the global stage.”

Rob Nichol, NZRPA CEO also cemented the NZRPA’s support: “NZRPA is excited for this partnership and what it means for the future of rugby. It addresses our fundamental principles—ensuring a true comprehensive partnership, allowing us to invest together in rugby globally, and establishing the right governance models. Silver Lake have shown great integrity and a commitment to getting the right deal in place. They were willing to listen to everyone and understand what rugby means to people in our country. We are confident that Silver Lake is the right investment partner.”

Sarah Hirini, NZRPA board member and Black Ferns Sevens captain said: “The proposal brings new investment and capability into the game and will help us go after some exciting new opportunities, especially given 2022 is such a big year for women’s rugby. There’s a lot of change in rugby globally and this partnership will position us well.”

Sam Cane, NZRPA board member and All Blacks captain said: “We are excited about this agreement and have confidence that it is a great outcome for rugby on all levels. We are impressed by Silver Lake’s thoughtful approach and what they can contribute to help us become better at what we do off the pitch. This partnership is a great step forward for the game.”

Silver Lake Managing Director Simon Patterson remarked: “New Zealand has a phenomenal track record in rugby, with a great history and culture of leadership, inclusion and teamwork. Silver Lake is fully committed to rugby in New Zealand, to help build on all these past successes at a key moment in the development of the game globally.”

Silver Lake Managing Director Stephen Evans added: “Digital technologies are transforming all sports, and we look forward to bringing our global network and resources to help New Zealand rugby drive innovation and take advantage of all the opportunities ahead.”

In summary, the partnership agreement comprises the following components subject to necessary approvals:

  • Establishes NZR CommercialCo under the control of NZR that will contain all the revenue-generating activities of NZR.
  • Silver Lake invests NZD $200 million into NZR CommercialCo at an NZD $3.5 billion valuation in the form of a perpetual convertible security at a low interest rate, which can convert into ordinary equity after three years.
  • Later in 2022, an additional co-investment will be offered to New Zealand-based institutional investors so that domestic capital can have the opportunity to also participate in the investment. A minimum of NZD $62.5 million will be offered, with the potential to seek up to NZD $100 million if parties agree. Silver Lake will underwrite this institutional syndication if it is not fully subscribed.
  • At the conclusion of the additional co-investment, Silver Lake will own between 5.71-8.58% of NZR CommercialCo (representing NZD $200-300 million investment, depending on capital needs and the uptake of New Zealand-based institutional investors) vs. the 10-15% stake that had been previously proposed.
  • An increase in valuation compared with the prior proposal driven by the improved future financial outlook from broadcasting and sponsorship, resulting in NZR raising a substantial amount of money whilst selling a smaller share of the entity, allowing NZR to fund all its investment needs and putting the game on a sound financial footing for the future.
  • Silver Lake, NZR and NZRPA will through “Global Rugby Opportunities” (GRO) together invest in global rugby and rugby-related technology businesses, earning NZR and NZRPA a 15% share of the profits of GRO (split 50/50) in return for their contribution of sports expertise, know-how and relationships.

Under this partnership, the protections and controls for NZR remain in place as previously agreed. Silver Lake would be a minority investor and NZR will retain full control over rugby as well as the commercial strategy. The new NZR CommercialCo entity board will be controlled by NZR and will comprise a new independent chair, and other independent directors, to assure high governance standards and at the same time business acumen to make NZR CommercialCo a success for everyone interested in rugby in New Zealand. The NZRPA will have a seat on the NZR CommercialCo board.

Separately and subject to ratification, NZR and NZRPA have agreed terms for a new collective agreement which continues the current revenue sharing arrangement and governs the new relationship between NZR, the players, and NZR CommercialCo. Further, NZR will undertake an independent review of its governance structures and processes to ensure it is fit-for-purpose for this new chapter. NZRPA will also be reviewing its constitution and governance structures in 2022 as part of a strategic and business planning process it is undertaking.

Bristol Sport Announces Historic Groupwide Principal Partnership With Huboo

In a UK-first for a sporting group, Bristol Sport is delighted to announce that eCommerce fulfilment company Huboo will become the Principal Partner for all FIVE of its professional sporting teams from the start of the 2022/23 season.

The groundbreaking deal sees Bristol-based Huboo become Principal Partner for Bristol City men and women, Bristol Bears men and women and Bristol Flyers.

Huboo will feature on the front of the shirts of all five of Bristol Sport’s professional teams and is the first time that they have had one unified Principal Partner.

Bristol Sport founder Steve Lansdown CBE said: “It’s what we’ve been aspiring to ever since we formed Bristol Sport back in 2014. We are now able to work with a local company that has grown rapidly itself and looking to improve its own standing in the marketplace.

“Bristol Sport offers a unique opportunity to associate with all different types of sports, fanbases and communities.

“We’ve always said sport will support the city and the city should support sport. Here we have a local business supporting all of our sports and that is fantastic and I’m really looking forward to us working together over the next few years to take us both forward.”

Bristol-headquartered Huboo was founded in 2017 by Martin Bysh and Paul Dodd. In the last four years the company has expanded its operations from one warehouse to operating four fulfilment centres across the UK, along with a head office in central Bristol and fulfilment centres in the Netherlands and Spain. With plans to roll out its operations across multiple other European markets over the next 12 months, the decision to partner with Bristol Sport and its teams was a strategic one to promote the brand across multiple platforms and markets simultaneously.

Martin Bysh, co-founder and CEO of Huboo, said: “As Huboo continues to grow at pace and our expansion across Europe accelerates, we’re delighted to announce our position as Principal Partner to Bristol Sport in a collaboration which has such strong ties to our founding roots. 

“Huboo’s core values are perfectly aligned with those of Bristol Sport’s and together we aim to raise the bar for what is possible with a partnership of this scale. It’s an exciting time for both Huboo and Bristol Sport. We have a shared vision of making Bristol proud.”

Paul Dodd, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Huboo, added: “This truly authentic partnership with Bristol Sport, facilitated by Transatlantic Entertainment, works on so many levels and marks a key milestone in Huboo’s journey. We’re proud to call Bristol home and are honoured to partner with such a prestigious sporting group which is so fundamental to this city.”

Mark Kelly, Managing Director of Bristol Sport, added: “We are really excited to be able to welcome Huboo to the sporting group. As we’ve got know each other we’ve all been struck by the similarities between our two organisations. The values and the ambition that we both share. We all want success for Bristol and the South West and we believe this partnership will significantly help both of us fulfil that ambition.”

Huboo will become Principal Partner from the start of the 2022/23 season.

Earthquakes Name Jared Shawlee President, Announce Partnership With Roku

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that Jared Shawlee has been named President, effective immediately. After securing landmark partnership deals with PayPal and Intermedia and guiding the Quakes through their recent general manager search, Shawlee takes over the role previously held by Tom Fox from 2017-19. Shawlee served as Chief Operating Officer for the past five and a half years.

“The fact that Jared has been with the club for 15 years and worked his way up is a testament to his talent and hard work,” said Earthquakes Managing Partner John Fisher. “He has proven to be a team-first leader that cares first about the club, the fans, the staff, and our local community. I’m confident his leadership will be critical as we strive to be a top MLS club on and off the field.”

Shawlee, 39, enters his 15th season as a member of the Earthquakes organization. A native of San Jose, Shawlee was among the first employees hired ahead of the team’s return to Major League Soccer in 2008. Shawlee signed the club’s first-ever jersey sponsorship deal in 2009 and was promoted to Director of Corporate Partnerships a year later.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to take on this new role with my hometown club and continue building on what we’ve started,” said Shawlee. “This club is in my blood, and I have been fortunate to be a part of its growth over the past decade and a half. I recognize that our people are what makes us special, both on the soccer and business sides, and we’ll continue to work on growing this club into something the entire Bay Area can be proud and excited to support.”

Shawlee took a one-year hiatus from the Quakes to pursue an MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business. He returned to the Earthquakes in May of 2011 as Senior Director, Ticket Sales and Strategy, later climbing to Vice President of the same department. Shawlee tripled the sales and service team, grew ticket revenue 420%, secured multimillion-dollar partnerships with Avaya and Sutter Health, and was integral in the development of the team’s privately financed $100 million venue. He was recognized as the MLS Corporate Partnerships Executive of the Year in 2015 before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in November 2016.

He has since helped the club secure stadium naming rights and jersey partner deals with PayPal and Intermedia, respectively, as well as partnerships with prominent brands including Chevron, Coca-Cola, and Audi. Shawlee is overseeing the team’s pursuit of a new training complex and is part of the leadership group involved in the Bay Area’s bid to be a host region for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Shawlee will oversee both the business and soccer sides of the Earthquakes’ organization, reporting directly to the club’s Board of Directors.

“Jared’s passion for this club is tangible,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch, who reports into Shawlee. “He’s been incredibly supportive of what we want to accomplish on the soccer side and I’m looking forward to working in tandem with him to move the club forward.”

Earthquakes Announce Partnership with Roku

The Earthquakes have also announced a partnership with Roku Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU), the #1 TV streaming platform in the United States, Canada, and Mexico based on hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, October 2021). The partnership between two homegrown San Jose institutions will provide opportunities for Quakes fans and other PayPal Park guests to experience Roku’s award-winning streaming players and audio devices, and learn more about their easy-to-use streaming platform.

“We are thrilled to partner with Roku, our neighbor here in San Jose and a global leader in consumer technology products,” said Earthquakes Vice President of Strategy Ian Anderson. “We look forward to sharing Roku’s accessible products with our fans at PayPal Park, in addition to working together to invest in building a stronger San Jose community.”

As part of the partnership, Quakes fans will be able to experience Roku streaming devices and technology through one-of-a-kind activations and on Roku TVs throughout the stadium. Roku branding will be displayed throughout the stadium deck, field and concourse LEDs. On gamedays, Roku will be conducting sweepstakes and ongoing giveaway opportunities throughout the season where fans will have the chance to win Roku streaming devices.

“We are thrilled to partner with our hometown soccer team as they kick off the new season welcoming fans back to the stadium next door to our beautiful Roku headquarters in San Jose,” said Roku SVP of Corporate Affairs & Communications John Kelly. “Roku employees are big fans of the Earthquakes and we look forward to an exciting partnership!”

Quakes fans across the country can watch their favorite team through their Roku devices. Fans locally, with a traditional cable or satellite subscription, can stream matches through the NBC Sports app. Fans outside of the local market can utilize the fuboTV or ESPN+ apps.

Global Gaming Brand Evil Geniuses Select CSM Sport & Entertainment As Agency of Record

CSM Sport & Entertainment has secured global gaming and esports brand Evil Geniuses as its newest premier client, expanding CSM’s reach into the gaming and esports industry.

As the new agency of record of sponsorship sales for Evil Geniuses, CSM will assist the company in identifying, developing and securing commercial partnerships with high-profile brands that will further expand Evil Geniuses brand recognition with global audiences.

Evil Geniuses is a leading global gaming and esports company with teams competing in the world’s most popular esports titles, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, DOTA 2 and VALORANT. Led by CEO Nicole LaPointe Jameson, Evil Geniuses is an organisation that is bold without being bound by expectations as they plot their path to victory by developing world class talent through cutting-edge technology, health and wellness programs, and education. 

“Evil Geniuses is a true pioneer in the world of esports and gaming, with a long history of being at the forefront of the industry,” said Matt Grandis, Chief Commercial Officer at CSM Sport & Entertainment. “With CSM’s existing network and expertise in the commercial partnerships sector, we see this as a great opportunity to introduce Evil Geniuses to new brands and audiences across the world who share their values.”

As a globally recognised company in gaming and esports, Evil Geniuses has partnered with leading brands, including establishing itself as a top choice for those looking to enter the esports space for the first time. Evil Geniuses’ prior and existing partners include Monster Energy, Bud Light, TUMI, Coinbase, Absolut and English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

”We’re thrilled to bring on CSM Sport & Entertainment as our new sponsorship sales agency as we leverage their expertise working with global brands to further expand our roster of commercial partners,” said Leonard Edwards, VP & Head of Global Partnerships at Evil Geniuses. “We’re always looking for the very best talent to be a part of the Evil Geniuses team and CSM Sport & Entertainment have the experience we crave while sharing our values and commitment to spreading the #LiveEvil mentality to new brands and audiences.”

For more information on CSM Sport & Entertainment, including a look at our services and past campaigns, please visit https://www.csm.com. You can also follow us on Twitter at @CSM_Worldwide or Instagram at @csm_worldwide.

McLaren Racing Expands Partnerships With Dell Technologies And Alteryx To Join Extreme E Programme

McLaren Racing today announced two partnership expansions with both Dell Technologies and Alteryx, Inc., with each becoming an Official Partner of the McLaren Extreme E (MX) team for the 2022 season.

Dell Technologies and Alteryx join the McLaren Extreme E (MX) programme for its inaugural season in the race series, with the Desert X Prix taking place in Saudi Arabia on 19 and 20 February. The series races in remote corners of the globe to promote climate awareness and insists on gender neutrality with each team consisting of one male and one female driver. Joining McLaren’s MX driving team of Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust are female engineers and sisters, Leena and Teena Gade. 

Dell Technologies is a long-standing partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team, a partnership which has promoted STEM education pathways with programmes such as the McLaren Substitute Teacher series. By expanding the partnership to Extreme E, McLaren and Dell can continue to progress their united focus on promoting positive societal and environmental impact.

Alteryx became a partner of the McLaren Formula 1 team in 2021, providing an analytics automation solution to bring cutting-edge analytics and data science capabilities, delivering new insights and intelligence to the team. By expanding the partnership, Alteryx will now support the McLaren Extreme E race team as it looks to maximise performance in a new motorsport chapter.

Dell Technologies branding will be on the headlights of the No. 58 McLaren Extreme E race car, while Alteryx branding will be visible on the front headlights and rear tail lights of the No. 58 from the 2022 Desert X Prix in Saudi Arabia. Each respective brand will also be visible on the racing overalls of drivers Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust, and on the McLaren Extreme E team kit.

Claire Cronin, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Racing, said:

“We’re delighted to expand our partnerships with Dell Technologies and Alteryx, two valued technology partners of the McLaren Formula 1 team. Extending these collaborations to join our McLaren Extreme E team means we can hit the ground running in a new race series with the support of familiar and trusted partners. 

“Racing in Extreme E is key for McLaren Racing’s efforts to elevate our sustainability and DE&I agenda, and we’re delighted that Dell and Alteryx are joining us on our journey.”

Liz Matthews, Senior Vice President of Global Brand, Dell Technologies, said:

“Our work with McLaren Racing goes beyond the racetrack. We have a responsibility to protect and enrich our planet, and we can’t do that without our customers and partners. We’re thrilled to expand our long-standing partnership with McLaren to drive the type of innovation that makes a lasting impact on our world.” 

Keith Pearce, Chief Marketing Officer, Alteryx, said:

“We are thrilled to extend our successful technology partnership with McLaren Racing – supporting the Formula 1 and Extreme E teams’ ability to analyze terabytes of racing data to deliver efficiencies at the the speed needed to maximize performance. Data-driven insights delivered through intelligent analytic automation will fuel the actionable decision-making that McLaren Racing needs to accelerate outcomes that make a meaningful impact across both motorsports.”

Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Announces Hard Rock As First Founding Partner

South Florida Motorsports (SFM) and Hard Rock International announced today a multi-year Founding Partnership surrounding the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Hard Rock is the existing naming rights partner of Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, University of Miami football team and the Miami Open, whose home campus will host Formula 1® for the first time on May 6-8, 2022.

As a founding partner of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, Hard Rock will have the unique opportunity to engage fans both onsite at the Miami International Autodrome and at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, home of the iconic Guitar Hotel. Part of the onsite activations for race weekend will include Hard Rock

Beach Club, which spans the area by turns 11, 12 and 13. A landmark feature of the campus, Hard Rock Beach Club will give guests a uniquely South Florida environment to enjoy all of the racing action, including a nearly 24,000 square-foot beach, resort-style pools and two levels of luxury cabanas plus special musical performances.

Located just 15 minutes from the Miami International Autodrome, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood will host the official kick-off party for race weekend on Thursday, May 5 and the official after parties of the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix weekend. Known for its world-class entertainment, Hard Rock will bring globally recognized superstar acts to celebrate the inaugural race in Miami. A complete entertainment schedule across all Hard Rock venues will be announced at a later date.

Hard Rock will also receive enhanced brand awareness across the Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix digital network as well as TV-visible trackside signage.

To celebrate this special partnership, Hard Rock created a custom-made Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix light show theme on the façade of The Guitar Hotel. In a moment of connection across the city, both The Guitar Hotel and Hard Rock Stadium were illuminated in Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix colors and imagery. Video and photos of this unique moment, as well as renderings of Hard Rock Beach Club, are available to view and download here.

Jeremy Walls, Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer of Hard Rock Stadium & Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix said: “We are excited to have Hard Rock’s global iconic brand as a founding partner of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.  The Hard Rock Beach Club will be a unique experience on the MIA campus, featuring International musical artists, and a high-energy Miami vibe with beach cabanas and resort-style pools.”

“Hard Rock is proud to partner with the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix on this international event,” said Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International. “With venues in 70 countries around the world, we welcome the spotlight right here in South Florida where our flagship Guitar Hotel is located.”

RLWC2021 And NuArca Labs Launches Digital Collectables Marketplace

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) and their NFT Partner, NuArca Labs, have today (Feb 16) launched the Official Digital Collectables Marketplace, which sees the first RLWC2021 collectables (NFTs) becoming available online for fans globally. To mark the launch of this new online marketplace, the first 2,021 fans to create a RLWC2021 digital collectable account will receive a free commemorative NFT.

The first sets of collectable packs will become available for purchase online https://nft.rlwc2021.com/ in March. The first set will be called “The Power of Together” which focuses on the tournament’s trophies, nations, ambassadors, and hosts. The second set, “Rugby League World Cup: The Vault”, will be dropped at a later date and includes historical moments in previous World Cups, programmes and memorabilia. 

The collectables celebrate this year’s event as the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup as well as the history of the tournament. Taking a similar form to an online ‘sticker book’ where you can collect your favourite teams and players, fans will be able to acquire unique digital collectables, as well as purchase and trade them in the Marketplace.

Each pack, which will be available from £9.99, contains at least three NFTs and are easily shareable and tradable by fans. Designed by NuArca Labs, fans can buy the collectables with a credit card, or with cryptocurrency, and enjoy their digital collectables right away. They can play and keep track of the collectable challenges and display, share and trade the NFTs. Packs include fun challenges and the chance to win unique RLWC2021 experiences and merchandise, from merchandise discount to tickets, plus exclusive pitch-side moments during the tournament.

Fans can also look forward to a unique collectable pack that will become available at tournament time, which will focus on all action from the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments taking place later this year. In addition to the collectable cards available within packs, RLWC2021 will be putting up for auction four key moments from Rugby League World Cup history that fans can bid on to become the exclusive owner.

Upon creation of their account the gifted commemorative NFT will appear on their ‘My Cards’ page within 48 hours as a badge of honour for their association with the tournament. These gifted commemorative collectables will not be included in on-sale packs or available to the general public.

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021 commented: “Together with our partners NuArca Labs, we have created these digital experiences across a range of packs for our fans to enjoy. We have focused on being as inclusive as possible, ensuring our range of collectables can be purchased via a number of methods, and giving fans an additional way of interacting and owning a part of Rugby League history.”

Todd Cooper, CEO and Co-founder of NuArca Labs added: “These RLWC2021 digital collectables are made for the people who matter most – the fans. The Marketplace lets fans use the technology they’re already familiar with in their everyday lives and enables them to get even closer to the sport they love by owning a digital piece of the action.”

RLWC2021 kicks off on the October 15, 2022 and the Digital Collectables created by the tournament and NuArca Labs will champion the inclusivity and diversity of the tournament, with over 600 players representing 21 nations and participating in 61 matches.

Premiership Rugby Launches Match Streaming Service: PRTV Live

PRTV Live will give supporters the chance to watch all Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches not being broadcast on BT Sport or ITV, from Round 18 on Friday 25 February.

PREMIERSHIP Rugby is launching a new streaming service, PRTV Live, which means fans will be able to watch every Gallagher Premiership Rugby match live this season

  • A Match Pass is £4.99 to watch the game of your choice.
  • A Round Pass is £6.99 to watch all fixtures included for a round of Gallagher Premiership Rugby
  • All details from www.premiershiprugby.com/prtvlive

Starting this month as a pilot service, PRTV Live is streamed directly to fans via the Premiership Rugby mobile app and provides supporters with a comprehensive service. PRTV Live will show the games that are not broadcast by BT Sport or ITV, so fans will now have access to up to 480 minutes – eight hours – of pure rugby action over a weekend.

Simon Massie-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Premiership Rugby said:

“PRTV Live signals another step in our journey to grow the game and make Gallagher Premiership Rugby accessible to as many rugby fans as possible. Together with our partners BT Sport and ITV, PRTV Live will give supporters across the country the freedom to watch every game live, at home or on the go.

“Through this new platform, we want to create a deeper relationship with our current fans, who have asked us for this service and make the game as accessible as possible to new supporters. Having every match available to watch live is a crucial step forward for us.

“With 10 million rugby fans in England, PRTV Live will allow us to showcase the best of Gallagher Premiership Rugby to the widest possible audience, expanding our reach into the households of millions of other rugby fans. Not only that, but it’ll mean London Irish fans who can’t make the round trip of almost 600 miles to watch their team play Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park, can still see the game live!”

The matches will be available to purchase via the Premiership Rugby website from 21 February 2022; the first matches will be streamed on the Premiership Rugby app on 25 February, kicking off with coverage of Bristol Bears v Wasps and Sale Sharks v London Irish, followed by Leicester Tigers v Gloucester Rugby and Newcastle Falcons v Bath Rugby the next day. From 25 March PRTV Live will also be available via desktop. A match pass will cost £4.99, and a full round pass will cost £6.99.